QUEEN Elizabeth’s School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is sharing with parents its plan for a long-term investment in its Crediton school estate.

The 10-year master plan will be based on using existing buildings and adding new improved facilities for students, staff, and families.  

The school currently operates on two sites almost a mile apart and that has led to parents facing double pick-ups and drop-offs.

The split site creates timetabling complications with staff needing extra time to travel between lessons.

Paula Smith, Headteacher, said: “We are committed to creating a school that is not only modern and efficient but also preserves our community's unique character and heritage.

“Our families have told us about travel and timetabling issues that arise from having a school on two separate sites and that’s why we are inviting them to help us explore options for an improved site that works better for everyone.

“This is a long-term plan and we want our families, staff and the community informed throughout the process and that’s why we will be holding the first information sessions.

“Community engagement is anticipated to start later in the spring/early summer as work continues to secure the capital funding for plans which are still being finalised.

“The 10-year plan for the new school, being developed with architects KTA, will also aim to keep the ‘two schools in one’ nature of the current two-site school.

“We know many parents like the separation between the younger and older year groups currently taught in the separate locations.” 

While the plans are still at an early stage, the school will be considering the potential implications for the number of students it can admit if upgrades to the site are given the go-ahead and work begins.

It says that all decisions on a reduced Published Admissions Number (PAN) for 2025/26 entry would be made in close consultation with Devon County Council and that its strong intention, subject to site options, is for the PAN to be higher and in the meantime assures that its admissions procedures will continue to prioritise sibling places.  The School is working with the Local Authority and local MP Mel Stride to explore funding options.

Mr Stride has already confirmed his backing for improvement works to buildings at Queen Elizabeth’s School and that he is pushing for an early and positive response from the Secretary of State for Education.

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